_Infant Prodigy_ (_ditto_). "WHAT IS 'NERVOUS'?"]

* * * * *

MY AMERICAN COUSINS.

Because they speak the tongue that's mine,
Rich in the treasure that belongs
To them as well as me, and twine
Their heart-strings in our English songs,
I knew they'd scorn those German threats
And sham regrets.

Because their country's name is scrolled
With Liberty's; because her fate,
Like England's own, must be unrolled
In Freedom still, they had to hate
The thought of bowing down before
A Lord of War.

And now they'll lavish in the strife
The gold they've scorned to love too well,
And fleets to bring the food that's life,
And guns of death, and steel and shell;
Defeat or triumph, stand or fall,
They'll share their all.

They're out for business; now's their Day;
They took their time, but finished right;